LIFE TOUGH AT HOME?Topic: Do Yourself A Favor
We all know that when parent(s) is or are taking drugs or drinking too much that they don't often act like parents. Your feelings may be hurt, you may feel embarrassed in front of your friends and you might have to take care of yourself and maybe of your siblings. Remember you are not the only one. There are people who care. One of the places you can go is to your local Boys And Girls Club. There are adults there who volunteer to spend time with you. They will do sports with you, answer your questions - should I date, should I have sex, should I apply to a professional school - and yes, you will get the encouragement you need. Be daring. Do something for yourself. Go for it. Visit https://www.bgca.org/about-us/contact-us

I don't know if I have ever told you that I am also the author of THE DRINKING WOMAN REVISITED. As the title suggests it is about women who have a drinking problem. The book's web site has a blog and this month I would like to share with you part of a story a recovering mother submitted. Here goes:

"It was later after I had been in AA for a while that I realized that I am an alcoholic,that my past family life had had an impact on me, and like those who were alcoholics in my family I too chose to drink. Only then did I make a conscious decision to turn everything in my life over to God and that really made the difference. When they say take your body to a meeting, the rest will follow, that was really true for me.”

The point is, as I have mentioned before over and over again, alcoholism is hereditary. Be careful. Addiction is hereditary. Feel free to discuss this at an Alanon, Alateen or In The Rooms meeting. By the way for those of you who do not believe in God there is an inner strength, a strong consciousness that will help you.

The time points printed below are just plain good advice. Please, please look at them and think about it. If you have any comments, good, critical, humorous feel free to post them. You can always be anonymous. National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence printed them and yes, I copied them. So here goes:

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No: Sometimes, our fear of negative reaction from our friends, or others we don’t even know, keeps us from doing what we know is right. Real simple, it may seem like “everyone is doing it,” but they are not. Don’t let someone else make your decisions for you. If someone is pressuring you to do something that's not right for you, you have the right to say no, the right not to give a reason why, and the right to just walk away.

2. Connect With Your Friends and Avoid Negative Peer Pressure: Pay attention to who you are hanging out with. If you are hanging out with a group in which the majority of kids are drinking alcohol or using drugs to get high, you may want to think about making some new friends. You may be headed toward an alcohol and drug problem if you continue to hang around others who routinely drink alcohol, smoke marijuana, abuse prescription drugs or use illegal drugs. You don't have to go along to get along.

3. Make Connections With Your Parents or Other Adults: As you grow up, having people you can rely on, people you can talk to about life, life’s challenges and your decisions about alcohol and drugs is very important. The opportunity to benefit from someone else’s life experiences can help put things in perspective and can be invaluable.

4. Enjoy Life and Do What You Love - Don’t Add Alcohol and Drugs: Learn how to enjoy life and the people in your life, without adding alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drugs can change who you are, limit your potential and complicate your life. Too often, “I’m bored” is just an excuse. Get out and get active in school and community activities such as music, sports, arts or a part-time job. Giving back as a volunteer is a great way to gain perspective on life.

5. Follow the Family Rules About Alcohol and Drugs: As you grow up and want to assume more control over your life, having the trust and respect of your parents is very important. Don’t let alcohol and drugs come between your and your parents. Talking with mom and dad about alcohol and drugs can be very helpful. (If your parents suffer from severe addiction talk to Al-Anon or Alateen or a counselor with whom you feel comfortable – Edith Lynn Hornik-Beer, author of For Teenagers Living With A Parent Who Abuses Alcohol/Drugs)

6. Get Educated About Alcohol and Drugs: You cannot rely on the myths and misconceptions that are out there floating around among your friends and on the internet. Your ability to make the right decisions includes getting educated. Visit Learn About Alcohol and Learn About Drugs. And, as you learn, share what you are learning with your friends and your family.

7. Be a Role Model and Set a Positive Example: Don’t forget, what you do is more important than what you say! You are setting the foundation and direction for your life; where are you headed?

8. Plan Ahead: As you make plans for the party or going out with friends you need to plan ahead. You need to protect yourself and be smart. Don’t become a victim of someone else’s alcohol or drug use. Make sure that there is someone you can call, day or night, no matter what, if you need them. And, do the same for your friends.

9. Speak Out/Speak Up/Take Control: Take responsibility for your life, your health and your safety. Speak up about what alcohol and drugs are doing to your friends, your community and encourage others to do the same.

10.Get Help!: If you or someone you know is in trouble with alcohol or drugs,, get help. Don’t wait. You are not alone.

NATIONAL PREVENTION WEEK MAY 18 TO 24Mood: happyTopic: Do Yourself A Favor

Graduation is coming up. There are proms. Sporting events gatherings will draw crowds. Unfortunately these events are often excuses to drink and do drugs. That is why some good people created National Prevention Week. Be aware. Take good care of yourselves and if you have any questions or need help phone 800 622 2255 for 24 hour help.